Abu Dhabi to Host the 2nd Edition of Gulf Franchise Expo on February 15, 2025

- January 18, 2025
Abu-Dhabi-to-Host-the-2nd-Edition-of-Gulf-Franchise-Expo-on-February-15-2025

The Gulf Franchise Expo 2025, set to take place on February 15 at Le Royal Méridien, Abu Dhabi, is gearing up to be a landmark event for the franchising industry in the Gulf region. Organized by the Arab Business Media Group under the visionary leadership of Mr. Khaled Almaeena, this premier franchise gathering aims to showcase the vast opportunities the region offers to franchisors and franchisees alike. This one-day event will feature over 100 franchise brands, spanning diverse sectors such as food, beauty, health, and home services. From emerging startups to globally recognized giants, the Expo will bring together industry professionals, brand representatives, franchise executives, and aspiring entrepreneurs under one roof, fostering unparalleled networking opportunities. Event Highlights The Gulf Franchise Expo 2025 will deliver a multifaceted experience through: Dr. M.A. Babu, the Event Director, emphasized the Expo’s significance, stating, “This gathering is more than just an event. It’s a platform for potential franchisees to connect with successful regional and global franchisors, opening avenues for mutual growth and success.” Franchising in the GCC: A Flourishing Opportunity With participation from over 25 countries, the Expo underscores the Gulf region’s increasing prominence in the global franchising arena. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including nations like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, offers a fertile ground for franchise ventures. Key drivers of this growth include favorable government policies, a robust consumer market, and the region’s strategic geographical location, serving as a gateway to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. From food and beverage to retail and hospitality, the GCC’s franchise market spans a broad spectrum, enabling entrepreneurs to identify and seize niche opportunities. Franchising in the region thrives on collaboration, where franchisors contribute proven business models and brand expertise, while franchisees bring valuable local insights and resources to the table. A Global Platform for Growth As the Gulf Franchise Expo 2025 unfolds, it is poised to become a pivotal platform for aspiring franchisees and franchisors to explore the dynamic economic landscape of the GCC. Beyond its role as a networking event, the Expo stands as a testament to the region’s growing stature in the global franchising market, offering participants the tools and connections to achieve sustained growth. The Gulf Franchise Expo 2025 promises to be a transformative experience, driving forward the aspirations of individuals and businesses eager to harness the Gulf region’s immense franchise potential. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this groundbreaking event.

Tabi Boba Group Invites Franchise Partner Applications for GCC Expansion

- November 2, 2024

Established in 2018, Tabi Boba Group has been at the forefront of meeting the rising demand for Taiwanese Bubble Tea Cafés in the Middle East. Born in Qatar, Tabi Boba combines the essence of both cultures; the word “Tabi” means “you want” or “desire” in Arabic, while the word “Boba” denotes the Taiwanese name for the delicious tapioca pearls in each drink.We grew our Qatar business to 12 locations in just 18 months of launch and have now broadened our partnership with OneZo across the Middle East, Europe, and Australasia, paving the way for global expansion. Having secured Master Franchise Partner for Qatar, we are now seeking visionary partners who share our vision of redefining the boundaries of taste and delighting consumers on a global scale. We are the exclusive master supplier of OneZo Taiwan’s primary ingredients. This provides every Tabi Boba Café and all of its partners with ingredients and the know-how to make “Fresh Boba Daily” at market-leading margins at guaranteed order volumes. At Tabi Boba Group, we prioritize quality over convenience, sourcing the freshest ingredients to craft and deliver the best boba experience. We pride ourselves on freshness. Every day, we make our boba from scratch, right in our stores, using premium raw materials imported from Taiwan. Our partners can handcraft boba from scratch in stores using premium raw materials imported directly from Taiwan. We avoid preservatives, focusing solely on delivering pure, delicious goodness. Tabi Boba Group is now offering Master Franchise/Launch Partner opportunities in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region to local entrepreneurs, holding groups and established F&B businesses. We’ve also collaborated with the World Franchise Association (WFA) to appoint and support the launch of global partners and grow this exciting brand. Tabi Boba Group distinguishes itself by offering the infrastructure and maturity of a mega franchise, coupled with the flexibility of a start-up. Understanding the challenges of local markets, we are committed to supporting our partners in navigating these challenges and crafting unique offerings tailored to the preferences of consumers in each specific market.All partners will benefit from comprehensive franchise support – from robust financial modelling, multi-lingual customer service team, technology-driven operations management systems to localized strategies aimed at maximizing profitability and operational efficiency. This support extends to marketing support, product development and localized menus to ensure this partnership equips franchisees with the tools and resources necessary to thrive in this dynamic industry. Press Release by Tabi Boba

Barns Cafe Opened its First Outlet in Bahrain, Marking the commencement of global expansion journey.

- May 7, 2024

Barns Cafe renowned for its excellence and innovation in the coffee sector across Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, has marked a historic moment with the opening of its own inaugural outlet in Bahrain. This expansion into the vibrant Bahraini market signifies a bold step towards international growth for the brand, which has already achieved significant milestones in its regional dominance with the opening of more than 720+ outlets in Saudi Arabia. Barns cafe in Bahrain is a Al Amjaad company owned outlet. The grand opening ceremony witnessed enthusiastic patrons flocking to experience the renowned Barns Cafe ambiance and indulge in its signature coffee offerings, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter for both the brand and coffee lovers in Bahrain. The decision to launch Barns Cafe’s international expansion in Bahrain underscores the country’s status as a thriving market with a burgeoning coffee culture. With its strategic location as a gateway to the Gulf region, Bahrain presents an ideal launchpad for Barns Cafe to introduce its unique blend of quality coffee and exceptional service to a new audience. At the helm of this success is Mohammed Al Zain, whose strategic leadership has propelled Barns Cafe to new heights. Al Zain’s ability to anticipate market trends and adapt swiftly has been instrumental in expanding the brand’s geographical reach and solidifying its reputation as a premier coffee destination. His guiding principle, “Barns is coming,” reflects a commitment to quality, innovation, and exceptional service that resonates throughout the industry. Mohamed AlZain – CEO Barns, Jeddah Mohamed Al Zain expressed his excitement about the brand’s entry into Bahrain, stating, “We are thrilled to bring the Barns Cafe experience to Bahrain and to share our passion for coffee with the community here. Our goal is to create a welcoming space where people can enjoy great coffee and meaningful connections.” The launch of Barns Cafe in Bahrain marks the beginning of the brand’s international expansion journey, with plans to establish a presence in an additional 10 countries. This ambitious endeavor reflects Barns Cafe’s commitment to becoming a global leader in the coffee shop industry, leveraging its successful business model and dedication to customer satisfaction. As Barns Cafe embarks on its global venture, meticulous planning and market research will guide the brand’s expansion strategy, ensuring that each new outlet resonates with local tastes and preferences while upholding Barns Cafe’s core values of quality, innovation, and exceptional service. The opening of Barns Cafe’s first outlet in Bahrain signals a promising future for the brand as it seeks to captivate coffee enthusiasts worldwide with its distinctive cafe experience. With its rich heritage and commitment to excellence, Barns Cafe is poised to become a beloved destination for coffee lovers in Bahrain and beyond.

FranGlobal Clinches “Best Global Franchise Expansion Firm of the Year” at Gulf Franchise Expo-2024 in Abu Dhabi

- February 28, 2024

Gaurav Marya, Founder of FranGlobal receiving the Best Global Franchise Expansion firm of the year Award from the chief Guest Khaled Almaeena at the Gulf Franchise Awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi In a triumphant moment at the Gulf Franchise Expo held in Abu Dhabi, FranGlobal has been crowned the ‘Best Global Franchise Expansion Firm of the Year.’ This prestigious accolade stands as a testament to FranGlobal’s outstanding contributions to the franchise industry, recognizing its pivotal role in facilitating global expansion for franchises around the world. Gulf Franchise Awards conducted alongside with the Gulf Franchise Expo which recognized the excellence in the franchise industry of the Gulf Countries announced the winners of 2024. Franchise industry leaders filled the Royal Le Meridian Ballroom to celebrate 2024’s top franchise entrepreneurs, leaders, and their legacy. The ceremony began with a keynote speech by Khaled Almaeena Chief Guest of the Event – about the latest insights into the importance of Gulf-based homegrown franchise brands and how these trends can influence the local economy and help them expand globally. The Franchise Business & Awards Event, centered on the franchise industry, was organized by Arab Business Media Group and was held at Royal Le Meridian Hotel Abudhabi. It brought together 100 brands 60 franchise companies, and participants from over 20 countries. The Gulf Franchise Expo served as the backdrop for this notable achievement, with FranGlobal’s booth standing out as a hub of innovation and expertise. The award not only celebrates the firm’s success but also highlights its commitment to excellence, strategic vision, and unwavering support for franchises seeking to establish a global presence. “FranGlobal’s success is not just about receiving an award; it represents a commitment to fostering international growth opportunities, contributing to economic development, and shaping the future of the franchise industry,” said Gaurav Marya, Chairman of FranGlobal.  The ‘Best Global Franchise Expansion Firm of the Year’ award is a symbol of FranGlobal’s dedication to excellence and its instrumental role in driving global success for franchises. FranGlobal’s expertise in navigating diverse markets, coupled with its dedication to providing comprehensive support, has positioned the firm as a frontrunner in the global franchise expansion landscape. The ‘Best Global Franchise Expansion Firm of the Year’ award acknowledges FranGlobal’s role in empowering franchisees to navigate the complexities of international markets successfully. This recognition comes at a time when the franchise industry is witnessing a surge in global aspirations, with businesses eager to expand their footprint beyond borders. FranGlobal’s achievement sets a benchmark for excellence, encouraging other firms in the industry to strive for the highest standards in supporting franchises on their international journey. Winners of Gulf Franchise Awards with the Chief Guest Khaled Almaeena, Chairman, Arab Business Media Group, UAE The Gulf Franchise Expo, known for showcasing innovation and excellence in the franchise sector, provided the perfect platform for FranGlobal to be acknowledged for its significant contributions. As the firm basks in the glory of this award, it also stands as an inspiration for aspiring and established franchises looking to navigate the global landscape with confidence. As FranGlobal celebrates this well-deserved recognition, it reinforces the firm’s standing as a key player in the global franchise expansion arena. This award is not just a reflection of past achievements but a promising sign of the continued impact FranGlobal will have on the dynamic and ever-growing world of global franchising.

Winners Of Gulf Franchise Awards 2024 Announced In Abu Dhabi

- February 28, 2024

Winners of the Gulf Franchise Awards 2024 with the Chief Guest Khaled Almaeena in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi: Gulf Franchise Awards held concurrently with the Gulf Franchise Expo, an International franchise event that concluded in Abu Dhabi recently, recognized the excellence in the franchise industry of the GCC Countries and announced the winners of 2024. Franchise industry leaders filled the Pullman Creek Ballroom to celebrate 2024’s top franchise entrepreneurs, leaders, and their legacy. The Franchise Business & Awards Event, centered on the franchise industry, was organized by Arab Business Media Group and was held at Royal Le Meridian Hotel Abudhabi. It brought together 100 brands 60 franchise companies, and participants from over 20 countries. Among the brands that attracted interest included companies such as Jeddah-based   Barns Café of Saudi Arabia, Tea Break café, Los Angeles-based Chocolate Bash, Golden Fork of UAE, Dennys, Artisan Bakers from the UAE, GoGold from UAE, Zalomi Electronics, Essence from Moscow, Chickex from UAE AND OTHER 100 brands which took place in the expo. Khaled Almaeena Delivering the Keynote Speech at Gulf Franchise Awards 2024-Abu Dhabi The ceremony began with a keynote speech by the Chief Guest Khaled Almaeena – about the latest insights into the importance of Gulf-based homegrown franchise brands and how these trends can influence the local economy and help them expand globally. Adnoc Distribution won the Hall of Fame and Bird and Bird of the UK won the ‘Best Franchise Law Firm’ award. T. K. Khaleel of Artisan Bakers won the “Baker of the Year Award” and FranGlobal won the Best Global Franchise Expansion Firm award of the year for their contribution towards the franchise industry. Chocolate Bash of Los Angeles won the Promising Franchise Brand of the Year award Malaysia-based Pernas won the Best International Government Agency in Franchising and Dr Radzali Hassan, Chairman of Malaysia Franchise Association won the Hall of Fame. Among the winners was Galadari Foods, which is one of the largest developers of Baskin Robbins in the region. The company won the ‘Corporate Hall of Fame’ Franchise Award. Mohamed Al Zain, CEO of Barns café won the “Franchise Leadership Excellence and Growth Achievement Award, “Sultan Al Mutlaq of Barns Café won the “Franchise Leadership Excellence and Growth Achievement Award” Arabia, won ‘Franchise Leader of the Year’. Zalomi Electronics won the “Green Franchise of the Year award” and Go Gold Jewellery won the Franchise Startup of the Year award. Among the Consultants who were Honored were Abeer Juliah of National Franchises, Saudi Arabia, Essam Lootah of UAE, Chain Oman Consulting of Oman, Sary Hamway of The Franchise Trainer, Ahmed Elsadany of F&B Pillars Consulting, April Anonuevo of FranGulf Consulting, UAE and Vasil Mansurulla of Top franchise won the best digital platform of the year award.  Forty Fruity won the Healthy Juice café Franchise of the Year award and IRMG Mena won the Franchise Development Company of the Year award. Essence won the Franchise Supplier of the Year award and World Franchise Associates won the International consulting firm of the Year Award. United Investments Firm won the Best Franchise Investment Firm award. Sunil Malhotra of B-Chain won the Franchise Consulting Mergers & Acquisition award and Action Coach won the “Business Coaching Franchise of the Year” award.

Khaled Almaeena Urges Gulf Franchise Brands to Venture Globally

- February 27, 2024

Khaled Almaeena Delivering the Keynote Speech at the Gulf Franchise Awards Night at Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi : The Franchise Business & Awards Event, centered on the franchise industry, was organized by Arab Business Media Group and was held at Royal Le Meridian Hotel Abudhabi. It brought together 100 brands and 60 franchise companies, and participants from over 20 countries. Among the brands that attracted interest included companies such as Jeddah-based   Barns Café of Saudi Arabia, Tea break café, Los Angeles based Chocolate Bash, Golden fork of UAE ,Dennys , Artisan Bakers from the UAE, GoGold from UAE, Zalomi Electronics, Essence from Moscow , Chickex from UAE AND OTHER 100 brands which took place in the expo. “As one of UAE’s best and most recognized brands, ADNOC Distribution has expanded its business annually and has a growth strategy both in the UAE and the broader GCC region. We are aggressively planning major expansions in the region from 2024,” said the Head of Franchising at Adnoc Distribution, Mr. Vikram Noronha. “ Sultan Al Mutalaq, Head of the Franchise Program at Barns Café said, “There has been organic interest in our brand because we bring an original coffee experience. During this exhibition, we had discussions for master franchises in India and Malaysia, which means we will soon have multiple outlets across the globe.” Winners of the Gulf Franchise Awards with the chief guest Khaled Almaeena ,Chairman of Arab Business Media Group Mr.Shanavas of Golden fork restaurant spoke, “There has been tremendous interest in our brand because we bring authentic and high-quality Sea food cuisine to customers since 40 years in the UAE. Apart from our franchises in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the exhibition resulted in discussions for master franchises in Beijing, London and Abu Dhabi, which means we will soon have numerous outlets across the globe.” Rasha Al Basha , founder of Choclate bash  said, “This event has taken us closer to our goal of making us a global brand by expanding into Arab countries through franchising, and positioning ourselves as the world’s best Chocolate brand.” The franchise Investment meets held at the Expo helped franchise businesses from the show forge partnerships with more than AED 100 million worth of deals generated at the Gulf Franchise Expo, Dubai, UAE. During the expo, the Gulf Franchise Awards which recognized the excellence in the franchise industry of the Arab world announced the winners of 2024. Franchise industry leaders filled the Royal Le Meridian Ballroom to celebrate 2024’s top franchise entrepreneurs, leaders, and their legacy. Dr Radzali Hassan ,Chairman of Malaysia Franchise Association Inaugurating the Gulf Franchise Expo event at the Royal Le Meridian ,Abu Dhabi,UAE The ceremony began with a keynote speech by the Chief Guest Khaled Almaeena – about the latest insights into the importance of Gulf based homegrown franchise brands and how these trends can influence the local economy and help them expand globally. Adnoc Distribution won the Hall of Fame and Bird and Bird of the UK won the ‘Best Franchise Law Firm’ award. T. K. Khaleel of Artisan Bakers won the “Baker of the Year award” and FranGlobal won the best Global Franchise Expansion firm award of the year for their contribution towards the franchise industry. Chocolate Bash of Los Angeles won the Promising Franchise Brand of the year awraad Malaysia Based Pernas won the Best International Government Agency in Franchising and Dr Radzali Hassan, Chairman of Malaysia Franchise Association won the Hall of Fame. Among the winners was Galadari Foods, which is one of the largest developers of Baskin Robbins in the region. The company won the ‘corporate hall of Fame’ Franchise Award. Mohamed Al Zain, CEO of barns café  won the “Franchise Leadership Excellence and Growth Achievement Award, “Sultan Al Mutlaq of Barns Café won the “Franchise Leadership Excellence and Growth Achievement Award” Arabia, won ‘Franchise Leader of the Year’. Zalomi electronics won the “Green Franchise of the Year award” and Go Gold Jewellery won the Franchise startup of the year award. Among the Consultants who were Honored were Abeer Juliah of National Franchises ,Saudi Arabia,Essam Lootah of UAE, Chain Oman Consulting  of Oman  , Sary Hamway of The Franchise Trainer ,Ahmed Elsadany of F&B Pillars consulting  ,April Anonuevo of FranGulf Consulting,UAE and Vasil Mansurulla of Top franchise won the best digital platform of the year award .  Forty Fruity won the Healthy Juice café franchise of the year award and IRMG Mena won the franchise development company of the year award. Essence won the Franchise Supplier of the Year award and World Franchise Associates won the International consulting firm of the Year Award. United Investments Firm won the Best Franchise Investment firm award and Sunil Malhotra of B-Chain won the Franchise Consulting mergers & Acquisition awards and Action Coach won the “Business Coaching Franchise of the Year” award.

The evolving franchising model in the UAE is a boon for entrepreneurs.

- February 6, 2024

In the UAE and the wider Middle East region, franchising has traditionally been dominated by large conglomerates. These industry giants secured master franchise deals, facilitating the introduction of international brands into the local market. However, a new era is emerging, marked by the rising prominence of home-grown concepts. With an increasing demand for unique and authentic experiences, locally developed concepts are gaining traction and offering franchise opportunities. This transition not only benefits entrepreneurs and consumers but also contributes to economic growth and diversification. By extending franchising opportunities to individual operators, these emerging brands are forging a distinct path to success in the dynamic UAE market. The conventional franchise model often required significant investment and involvement from large corporations, limiting opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. Home-grown concepts are revolutionizing this landscape by presenting a plug-and-play business model. This empowers individuals to become operators, leveraging the advantages of an established brand while minimizing the inherent risks of launching a new concept. The UAE and the Middle East are renowned for their rapidly evolving markets, making franchising an appealing option for those seeking alternative business ventures. Historically prevalent in the West, the owner-operator franchise model is gaining momentum in the Middle East, offering a plethora of opportunities for end-users. Entrepreneurs now have a diverse array of franchising options to choose from, tailored to their interests, expertise, and market demand. Home-grown franchises have emerged as a clear pathway to success in the ever-changing business landscape. Developed locally, these franchises offer numerous advantages that appeal to both entrepreneurs and investors alike.

Barns Cafe: A Saudi Coffee Success Story at the World of Coffee Dubai 2024

- January 22, 2024

Barns Café Show cased at World of Coffee – Dubai 2024 Saudi Arabia’s finest coffee brand,  Barns Cafe, have taken center stage at the prestigious World of Coffee Dubai, which commenced today. This event marks a significant moment in the global recognition of Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning coffee industry. World of Coffee Dubai, a renowned gathering for coffee aficionados and industry professionals worldwide, witnessed the exceptional presence of Barns Cafe. Barns cafe have not only showcased the rich heritage and unique flavors of Saudi coffee but also demonstrated the innovative spirit of Saudi Arabia’s coffee industry. Barns Cafe, known for its unique blend of traditional and modern brewing methods, has captured the attention of visitors with its exceptional taste and quality. ” Our goal is to share the unique taste of Saudi coffee with the world,” stated Abdulaziz  Ashour, The head of Public Relations at Barns Cafe. “World of Coffee Dubai is the perfect platform to showcase our commitment to excellence in coffee making. We’re proud to bring our traditional flavors and modern innovations to a global audience.” Saudi Arabian  coffee chain Barn’s has announced international expansion plans and is targeting 1,000 stores globally by 2030. Founded in 1992 by the Al Amjaad Group, Barn’s currently operates more than 650 stores across Saudi Arabia. The Barns Cafe Team, Led by Abdulaziz Ashour at World of coffee Dubai 2024 Throughout the event, attendees have the opportunity to experience the rich flavors of Saudi coffee, engage in coffee-tasting sessions, and witness live demonstrations of traditional Saudi coffee-making techniques. The participation of these brands highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global coffee market and its commitment to promoting its coffee heritage. Coffee tasting of Barns Café Stall at the World of coffee Dubai This event is not only a showcase of Saudi Arabia’s finest coffees but also an opportunity to foster international partnerships and exchange cultural and industry knowledge. Shouq Bin Redha, Exhibition Manager of World of Coffee Dubai 2024, said, “This global event will highlight the big growth and development of the UAE’s coffee industry as a whole, particularly in Dubai. Dubai’s hosting of this event is a testament to its pivotal role as a regional and global hub in this sector. participants who share the passion for coffee, and hope that the exhibition will provide attendees with exceptional experiences, interactive events, as well as opportunities for collaboration and networking.” Several leading companies and brands from around the world have participated in the  exhibition. Over 60 percent of these are companies and brands participating for the third time in a row, including those from Brazil, Colombia, France, Ethiopia, Greece, Turkey, Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, Romania, Singapore, Qatar, Panama, Oman, Mexico, South Korea, Jordan, Indonesia, India, Georgia, Denmark, Czech Republic, Bolivia, Belgium, Austria, China, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, as well as Saudi Arabia.

By 2027, McDonald’s intends to open 50,000 more locations.

- January 17, 2024

Announces New Targets For Development, Loyalty Membership, And Cloud Technology Targeting 50,000 restaurants by 2027; ushering in fastest period of growth in brand’s history Expanding one of the world’s largest loyalty programs from 150 million to 250 million 90-day active users by 2027 Connecting thousands of restaurants worldwide with Google Cloud technology to improve operations and customer & crew experience, beginning in 2024 Chicago, USA:   Today McDonald’s Corporation announces ambitious new growth targets to advance its Accelerating the Arches strategy. “As I’ve said before, there has never been a better time to be part of Brand McDonald’s. The McDonald’s System has demonstrated exceptional execution of our Accelerating the Arches strategy and is delivering tremendous results across our key growth pillars,” said McDonald’s President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Kempczinski. “We have a clear trajectory for future growth as we continue to build on the brand strength, global footprint and digital ecosystem that have resulted in unparalleled competitive advantages and cemented McDonald’s as one of the world’s leading consumer-facing brands.” The Company continues to build relevance amongst customers through emotional connections and world class creative, which are central to the brand’s “Feel-Good Marketing” approach. Kantar recently named McDonald’s one of the world’s top five most valuable brands, driven by culturally relevant creativity that drives growth. It’s a recognition that speaks to the heart of McDonald’s iconic position as one of the world’s leading consumer-facing brands. The Raise Your Arches campaign demonstrated the brand’s efficiency and agility to create and scale award-winning campaigns that feed McDonald’s global fandom and inspire brand affinity. Originally developed in the U.K., the campaign was quickly picked up by more than 35 markets around the world. Another way in which McDonald’s connects with its customers is through personalized value and digital offers, like those available on the McDonald’s mobile app. McDonald’s is proud to be a destination of choice, and it continues to be recognized by customers with the number one position on Value and Affordability scores in the industry. Core menu items – like the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, Chicken McNuggets and World-Famous Fries – are truly the core of this business, representing about 65% of Systemwide sales and driving profitable growth. Seventeen classic McDonald’s menu items are billion-dollar brands in their own right, beloved by customers around the world. Building on its historic strength with burgers, the Company continues to evolve and innovate around its longest-standing menu item with plans to deploy the Best Burger initiative to nearly all markets by 2026. All while the Company gains share in the rapidly growing chicken category, which it has highlighted as a significant opportunity. Today, the size of the Company’s chicken business is on par with beef, as the Company continues to aggressively expand through billion-dollar equities including McNuggets, McChicken, McCrispy and McSpicy. This includes plans to offer McCrispy in nearly all markets around the world by the end of 2025 and to expand McCrispy into wraps and tenders. These planned innovations and new menu offerings reflect the Company’s ability to test and scale quickly to serve customers. Double Down on the 4Ds: Digital, Delivery, Drive Thru and Development Digital With 150 million 90-day active users and over $20 billion in Systemwide sales to loyalty members, McDonald’s loyalty program is one of the largest in the world. Still, the Company plans to increase its active loyalty user base to 250 million 90-day active users and deliver $45 billion in annual Systemwide sales to loyalty members by 2027. Mobile ordering is a popular and growing choice for customers, with hundreds of millions of mobile orders recorded during the third quarter of 2023. To ensure McDonald’s restaurant teams are able to deliver the speed, convenience and freshness customers expect when they place a mobile order, the Company will expand its U.S. pilot of Ready On Arrival across its top six markets by 2025. This initiative enables crew members to begin assembling a customer’s mobile order prior to their arrival at the restaurant to expedite service and elevate customer satisfaction. Delivery With a massive global footprint and unmatched proximity to customers, McDonald’s has the industry’s largest delivery program globally – with 55,000 orders prepared and delivered to customers at any given moment. Customers can order delivery within the McDonald’s mobile app in five of the Company’s top markets and the Company is scaling this capability, expecting 30% of delivery orders to originate in its mobile app by 2027. Drive Thru McDonald’s is the largest drive thru player worldwide, with more than 27,000 drive thru locations. A first mover in locking down the best locations at attractive prices, McDonald’s network provides unmatched scale and convenience for customers. This competitive advantage in drive thru also presents significant opportunities for growth. Enhancements, such as improving the physical layout of the drive thru with additional lanes, creates additional capacity, which improves speed and efficiency and ultimately leads to sales growth and strong returns. Development As the Company previously announced, it will accelerate the pace of restaurant openings to fully capture the increased demand being driven through the M-C-D growth pillars. Today the Company announced it will continue to build on its industry-leading development progress by targeting expansion to 50,000 restaurants by the end of 2027. This will mark the fastest period of growth in Company history, with an expected run rate of 1,000 gross openings across the U.S. and International Operated Markets in 2027. Advancing Tech-Driven Solutions The Company’s technology strategy aims to leverage scale and unlock greater speed and efficiency for customers, restaurant teams, and employees. Today, McDonald’s and Google Cloud announced a strategic partnership to connect the latest cloud technology and apply generative AI solutions across its restaurants worldwide. This will help accelerate automation innovation from equipment manufacturers and allow restaurant general managers to quickly spot and enact solutions to reduce business disruptions. Overall, this will also reduce complexity for crew and lead to customer benefits such as hotter, fresher food. “We’re focused on making AI more helpful for everyone,

Zalomi Refurbished Electronics Online Store Announces Major Expansion

- December 15, 2023

Noushad Rahman, CEO of Zalomi.com Apart from Zalomi E-Commerce platform, Black Arrow Group Plans 100 Physical Outlets for Refurbished Electronics across the GCC through Franchise route Dubai, UAE:   Zalomi electronics, a leading UAE-based Refurbished electronics company, has announced a significant expansion plan to establish 100 new outlets across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This ambitious venture focuses on providing high-quality, refurbished electronics, including laptops, mobile phones, and gaming solutions, catering to the growing demand for affordable and sustainable tech options. Zalomi Electronics a subsidiary brand under Black Arrow Group has established itself as a pioneer in the refurbished electronics market in the UAE. With a focus on quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, the company has consistently delivered exceptional products and services, earning a reputation as a trusted name in the technology industry. The expansion underscores Zalomi Electronics commitment to sustainability and affordability in the technology sector. By offering refurbished products, the company aims to reduce electronic waste and provide cost-effective solutions to consumers without compromising on quality or performance. Each outlet will feature a wide range of expertly refurbished electronics, ensuring that all products meet the highest standards of functionality and reliability. With a keen focus on customer satisfaction, Zalomi Electronics promises a unique shopping experience, offering warranty-backed products and exceptional after-sales service. “We are excited to embark on this journey of expansion throughout the GCC,” said Noushad Rahman , CEO of Zalomi Electronics. “Our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable, and environmentally-friendly electronics options to our customers. This expansion is not just about growing our footprint; it’s about making a positive impact on the environment and offering value to our customers.”Since 2021 we have delivered 100,000 laptops and other and its growing. We aim to Reach refurbishing of 1 Million electronic solutions by 2025” He Added The roll-out of the first 10 outlets will start by December 2023  and will be strategically located across key cities in the GCC, including Dubai, Jeddah ,Riyadh,Dammam,Doha, Muscat, Riyadh, Kuwait City, and more, making refurbished electronics more accessible to a broader audience. The rise in popularity of refurbished laptops can be ascribed to a number of things, including affordability, environmental concerns, technological improvements, warranties and dependability, as well as the market’s availability and diversity. The burgeoning popularity of refurbished laptops is primarily attributed to their cost-effectiveness, offering consumers the opportunity to access technology at a more affordable price point. However, the refurbished laptop market faces a significant challenge in overcoming consumer skepticism. This apprehension stems from concerns about the inconsistent quality and reliability of such devices. To demystify, the term ‘refurbished’ refers to laptops that have been meticulously restored or renovated to appear and function as if they were new. Zalomi Model Store, Dubai Importantly, the designation of a laptop as refurbished does not inherently imply a defect; often, these laptops are returned for refurbishment due to corporate policies, such as those of multinational corporations mandating the replacement of laptops after a standard three-year lease period. These computers, having undergone thorough repairs, testing, and restoration either by the original manufacturer or a certified third-party refurbisher, present a cost-effective alternative to new laptops with comparable specifications. Consequently, reconditioned laptops have become an increasingly favored choice among various entities, including rapidly expanding businesses, budget-conscious consumers, students, startups, BPOs, MSMEs, IT companies, and non-profit organizations in need of computer technology. Additionally, the growing market for refurbished laptops aligns with a heightened societal emphasis on environmental sustainability. Opting for refurbished products enables consumers to actively participate in reducing electronic waste. During the refurbishment process, components are repaired and updated, not only maintaining the laptop’s functionality but also positively impacting the environment. This process aids in conserving resources and diminishing greenhouse gas emissions, thereby extending the lifespan of existing computers. This reduction in the need for new manufacturing further underscores the environmental benefits of choosing refurbished laptops, making them an appealing choice for environmentally conscious consumers and organizations dedicated to sustainable practices.